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Human Rights & Democracy

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Human Rights & Democracy

Teaser Video HR70

EU launches campaign to celebrate

70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

 

70 years - Universal Declaration of Human rights

The promotion and protection of human rights is at the heart of multilateralism, a central pillar of the UN system, and a core and founding value of the EU.

This year we mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and join UN Human Rights in inviting everyone to

 

#Standup4humanrights.

 

The Universal Declaration is the cornerstone of international human rights law and its first article captures its very essence:

"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights".

Human rights should be universal, indivisible and interdependent.

While the international human rights system has come under increasing pressure, it still continues to show great resilience to withstand challenges.

Human Rights Defenders all over the world embody that resilience. These are some of their stories.

The EU stands up and continues to relentlessly support human rights defenders, to speak out against the shrinking civil society space, and to use political and financial action to support them.

They stood up, will you?

All Videos HR70

The European Union views all human rights as universal, indivisible and interdependent. It actively promotes and defends them both within its borders and when engaging in relations with non-EU countries.

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News stories
eu beach clean-up, beat plastic pollution, ocean governance, sustainable development goals, SDG 14, Smurfs

Youth in climate action as world marks peace day

A blue sky above the Belgian coast, blue EU and UN flags flying, and none other than the blue Smurfs in their homeland, a perfect setting for a gathering of around 2000 students on a mission to save the blue planet. This was just one of the first actions taking place in the margins of the #EUBeachCleanUp – a global campaign for climate, happening on or around 21 September, World Coastal Cleanup Day. This day also marks the International Day of Peace, and also happens to be the day when in New York the UN Youth Climate Summit brings together young activists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to showcase climate solutions and engage with global leaders on this defining issue of our time. Adolescents and youths from different walks of life…. together with international organisations and global partners… all with one goal: joining forces in this global fight… a peaceful fight… committed to combatting climate change!

Saturday, 21 September, 2019 - 12:45
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News stories

EU steps up efforts towards a torture-free world

You, me, anyone could be a victim of torture. Torture is a crime that takes place in different forms and in different settings. Whilst prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment is absolute in international law, it continues to be challenged all over the world.

Tuesday, 17 September, 2019 - 15:30
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News stories
EOM Tunisia 2011

EU Electoral Observation Missions: an unshakeable witness watching over democracy worldwide

In long-standing democracies, where elections are held in an environment of 'normality', it is easy to forget how complex and fraught with pitfalls the process leading to the casting of the ballot can be.

Sunday, 15 September, 2019 - 00:00
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News stories

Global Exchange on Religion in Society: Building on the positive role of religion for social inclusion

What are a religious leader, a social worker, a scholar and a civil society activist doing in the same room together?

Friday, 6 September, 2019 - 14:36
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News stories

The European Union supports the creation of the first Centre of Human Rights at the National University Lorosa’e in Timor-leste

The Human Rights Centre of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the National University of Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL) was inaugurated on 27 August 2019. The event took place in a highly symbolic year and moment for the country: the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Popular Consultation on Self-determination of 30 August 1999.

Thursday, 29 August, 2019 - 02:28
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